Rose plant

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tea rose class, which was originated by my crossing as seed parent the rose known as &#34;Mr. Lincoln&#34; (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,370) and as pollen parent, my seedling of (&#34;Suspense&#34;×&#34;King&#39;s Ransom&#34;). The denomination of this new rose is &#34;Big Apple&#34;.

Among the novel characteristics possessed by this new variety whichdistinguish it from its parents and all other varieties of which I amaware are its large, well petaled, cardinal red flowers borne almostalways one to a stem and with a pleasant old rose fragrance. The flowersopen with high centers and remain attractive as large open blooms. Theplant is vigorous and tall growing. Asexual reproduction by budding ofthe new variety as performed in San Bernardino County, Calif., showsthat the foregoing and other distinguishing characteristics come true toform and are established and transmitted through succeedingpropagations.

The new variety is brighter red than its seed parent with different budform and larger petals. Also, foliage is lighter in color and largerthan the seed parent and the plant, while well contained, is morespreading. The pollen parent seedling ("Suspense"×"King's Ranson") is anorange red bicolor. The growth habit and foliage of the new variety issuperior to the pollen parent.

The accompanying drawing shows typical specimens of the vegetativegrowth and flowers of the new variety in different stages of developmentand as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible tomake the same in a color illustration of this character.

The following is a detailed description of my new variety, with colorterminology in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society ColourChart (R.H.S.C.C.). The terminology used in color description hereinrefers to plate numbers in the aforementioned color chart, e.g., "60A"is plate 60A of The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart.

Parentage: Seedling.

Seed parent.--"Mr. Lincoln".

Pollen parent.--("Suspense"×"King's Ranson").

Class: Hybrid tea.

The following observations are made of specimens grown outdoors in SanBernardino County, Calif., during the month of August.

FLOWER

Blooming habit: Recurrent.

Bud:

(1) Size.--Medium to large.

(2) Form.--Long pointed.

(3) Color.--After sepals divide, buds are near 60A.

(4) Sepals.--Longer than bud, few appendages, foliated.

(5) Peduncle.--Length -- medium. Aspect -- heavily accented with smallprickles. Strength -- erect, strong. Color -- near 143C.

Bloom:

(1) Size.--Average size when fully expanded -- very large (about 5 to53/4 inches).

(2) Borne.--Singly , one to a stem.

(3) Form.--High centered with slight indentation at crown as centerstarts to unfold, first petals reflex as buds unfurl but not as floweropens.

(4) Petalage.--Number of petals under normal conditions -- about 30 to35.

(5) Color.--As sepals break and separate, initial coloring visible is ared-purple near 60A. When sepals fall and petals begin to unfurl, petalundersurface appears more blood red 45D. However, petals reflex quicklyand deeper red tone, currant red 47A, of petal top surface is quicklyseen. Contrast in red tones between petal top surface and undersurfacebecomes more apparent at the 1/3 to 1/2 open stages but diminishes asbloom opens further. At fully open stage flower coloring appears moreuniform, cardinal red 53B with 53D highlights.

Petals:

(1) Texture.--Thick and heavy.

(2) Appearance.--Inside and outside velvety.

(3) Form.--Ovate with rounded tip.

(4) Arrangement.--Regularly arranged.

(5) Petaloids in Center.--Few.

(6) Persistence.--Retains a few petals.

(7) Fragrance.--Pleasant, old rose.

(8) Lasting quality.--Long lasting quality on plant and 3 to 4 days ascut flower.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Stamens, filaments and anthers:

Arrangement and color.--Reddish yellow stamens regularly arranged aroundstyles with light yellow anthers.

Pollen:

Color.--Light yellow.

Styles: Bunched, uneven length, some tall.

Stigmas:

Color.--Light yellow.

Hips: None observed.

PLANT

Form: Upright, moderately spreading, neatly compact.

Growth: Very vigorous.

Height attained.--About 5 feet.

Foliage: Compound 5 leaflets.

(1) Size.--Medium to large.

(2) Quantity.--Abundant, covers plant.

(3) Color.--New foliage: Upper side -- reddish green Under side --reddish green with bronze overlay Old foliage: Upper side -- near 147BUnder side -- near to 147B

(4) Shape.--Oval, long, pointed.

(5) Texture.--Upper side is waxy and under side is dull.

(6) Edge.--Serrate.

(7) Serration.--Small, light.

(8) Leaf stem.--Color -- near to 147B to C. Under side -- near 147B toC.

(9) Stipules.--Bearded, medium length.

(10) Resistance to disease.--Mildew -- average.

Wood:

(1) New wood.--Color -- near 147B. Bark -- smooth.

(2) Old wood.--Color -- near 147B. Bark -- smooth.

Thorns:

(1) Thorns.--Quantity (main stalk) -- many. On laterals from stalk --many. Form -- thin, pointed sharply downward. Length -- small to medium.Color -- near 147C. Position -- irregular.

(2) Prickles.--Profuse.

Winter hardiness: Needs winter protection in severe climate.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the hybrid tearose class, substantially as shown and described, characterizedparticularly by large, well petaled cardinal red flowers borne one to astem on a vigorous plant.